Professional reviews
Robert Parker (98)
97-99
A blend of 58.3% Merlot, 38.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3.4% Cabernet Franc, the 2025 La Mission Haut-Brion reveals a refined bouquet of smoky cassis, dark berries, spices and lead pencil, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and layered, it’s built around a multidimensional core of fruit underpinned by fine, velvety tannins, concluding with a long, perfumed and precise finish. Combining depth with energy, it delivers a textural yet controlled expression of power, with a real sense of freshness. The result is a particularly faithful, charming rendition of La Mission, defined by its elegance and overall precision.
James Suckling (97)
96-97
A red with lots of muscular tannins that are polished and velvety. It's full-bodied with a chewy mouthfeel and a long and intense finish. Crushed stones, dark fruit and bark at the end. 58.3% merlot, 38.3% cabernet sauvignon and 3.4% cabernet franc.
Jancis Robinson (18)
Unusually fragrant and floral at this early stage. Lovely texture, the tannins smooth and refined, cushioned by the ripe fruit. Plenty of power behind, though, and a mouth-watering freshness to the long, powerful finish. Focused and spot-on.
Vinous (98)
97-99
The 2025 La Mission Haut-Brion is one of my early favorites in this vintage. Aromatic and vibrant, with striking purity, the Grand Vin is magnificent. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, pomegranate, mint and cinnamon soar from the glass. Beams of supporting tannin lend energy and shape. In a word: compelling. One of the wines of the vintage.
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
96-98
A Merlot-heavy blend of 58.3% Merlot, 38.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc that's being raised in 60% new French oak, the 2025 Château La Mission Haut-Brion sports a dense ruby/purple hue as well as juicy black raspberries, currants, smoky tobacco, freshly sharpened pencils, and liquid violet nuances on the nose. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a pure, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, focusing tannins, and beautiful overall balance and length. It's a slightly more inward, focused expression of this cuvée, but that's the vintage, and this has tons to love. I suspect the cellar will be your friend.
Falstaff (97)
Deep dark ruby garnet, opaque core, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening. Fine precious wood nuances, some undergrowth, floral touch, dark berry fruit, cherries and plums. Complex, juicy, dark fruit, ripe, finely spiced tannins, mineral, good freshness, subtle extract sweetness, salty finish, shows length and ageing potential.
